GCL Acquired 20% of NEKCOM Inc. and Obtained Global Publishing Rights for its Upcoming Game “SHOWA AMERICAN STORY”
GCL Global Holdings (NASDAQ: GCL) has announced two strategic moves: the acquisition of 20% equity interests in NEKCOM Inc. through Series B Preferred Stock, and securing global publishing rights for NEKCOM's upcoming game 'Showa American Story' through its publishing arm 4Divinity.
The transaction, completed on December 18, 2024, resulted in GCL's Group Chairman, Jacky Choo See Wee, joining NEKCOM's Board of Directors. The upcoming game features a 19-year-old stuntwoman named Chouko in an alternate reality where Japan has colonized America, combining 80's pop culture elements with RPG gameplay.
The game, set for release in 2025, will feature fast-paced combat against monsters and humans, along with RV customization mechanics. This partnership aims to expand GCL's global publishing inventory while supporting NEKCOM's creative vision.
GCL Global Holdings (NASDAQ: GCL) ha annunciato due mosse strategiche: l'acquisizione del 20% delle partecipazioni azionarie in NEKCOM Inc. tramite azioni privilegiate di Serie B e l'ottenimento dei diritti di pubblicazione globale per il prossimo gioco di NEKCOM 'Showa American Story' attraverso il suo braccio editoriale 4Divinity.
La transazione, completata il 18 dicembre 2024, ha portato il presidente del gruppo GCL, Jacky Choo See Wee, a unirsi al Consiglio di Amministrazione di NEKCOM. Il prossimo gioco presenta una stuntwoman di 19 anni di nome Chouko in una realtà alternativa in cui il Giappone ha colonizzato l'America, combinando elementi della cultura pop degli anni '80 con meccaniche di gioco RPG.
Il gioco, previsto per il rilascio nel 2025, offrirà combattimenti frenetici contro mostri e umani, oltre a meccaniche di personalizzazione degli RV. Questa partnership mira ad espandere l'inventario globale di pubblicazione di GCL, supportando al contempo la visione creativa di NEKCOM.
GCL Global Holdings (NASDAQ: GCL) ha anunciado dos movimientos estratégicos: la adquisición del 20% de intereses accionarios en NEKCOM Inc. a través de acciones preferenciales de la Serie B y la obtención de los derechos de publicación global para el próximo juego de NEKCOM 'Showa American Story' a través de su brazo editorial 4Divinity.
La transacción, completada el 18 de diciembre de 2024, resultó en que el presidente del grupo GCL, Jacky Choo See Wee, se uniera a la Junta Directiva de NEKCOM. El próximo juego presenta a una especialista de 19 años llamada Chouko en una realidad alternativa donde Japón ha colonizado América, combinando elementos de la cultura pop de los años 80 con jugabilidad de RPG.
El juego, programado para ser lanzado en 2025, contará con combates rápidos contra monstruos y humanos, así como mecánicas de personalización de vehículos recreativos. Esta asociación tiene como objetivo expandir el inventario de publicación global de GCL mientras apoya la visión creativa de NEKCOM.
GCL 글로벌 홀딩스 (NASDAQ: GCL)는 두 가지 전략적 조치를 발표했습니다: NEKCOM Inc.의 20% 지분을 시리즈 B 우선주를 통해 인수하고, NEKCOM의 다가오는 게임 '쇼와 아메리칸 스토리'의 글로벌 퍼블리싱 권리를 퍼블리싱 부서인 4Divinity를 통해 확보하는 것입니다.
2024년 12월 18일에 완료된 이 거래로 GCL 그룹 회장인 Jacky Choo See Wee가 NEKCOM의 이사회에 합류하게 되었습니다. 이 게임은 일본이 미국을 식민지로 삼은 대체 현실에서 19세의 스턴트 여성인 Chouko를 주인공으로 하며, 80년대 팝 문화 요소와 RPG 게임 플레이를 결합하고 있습니다.
2025년에 출시될 예정인 이 게임은 괴물과 인간과의 빠른 전투와 RV 커스터마이징 메커니즘을 특징으로 할 것입니다. 이 파트너십은 GCL의 글로벌 퍼블리싱 재고를 확장하고 NEKCOM의 창의적 비전을 지원하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
GCL Global Holdings (NASDAQ: GCL) a annoncé deux mouvements stratégiques : l'acquisition de 20% des intérêts en capital de NEKCOM Inc. par le biais d'actions privilégiées de série B, et la sécurisation des droits de publication mondiaux pour le prochain jeu de NEKCOM 'Showa American Story' par l'intermédiaire de son bras de publication 4Divinity.
La transaction, réalisée le 18 décembre 2024, a conduit le président du groupe GCL, Jacky Choo See Wee, à rejoindre le conseil d'administration de NEKCOM. Le prochain jeu met en scène une cascadeuse de 19 ans nommée Chouko dans une réalité alternative où le Japon a colonisé l'Amérique, alliant des éléments de la culture pop des années 80 à un gameplay RPG.
Le jeu, prévu pour 2025, proposera des combats rapides contre des monstres et des humains, ainsi que des mécaniques de personnalisation de véhicules récréatifs. Ce partenariat vise à élargir l'inventaire de publication mondial de GCL tout en soutenant la vision créative de NEKCOM.
GCL Global Holdings (NASDAQ: GCL) hat zwei strategische Schritte angekündigt: den Erwerb von 20% der Eigenkapitalanteile an NEKCOM Inc. durch Vorzugsaktien der Serie B und die Sicherung der globalen Veröffentlichungsrechte für NEKCOMs bevorstehendes Spiel 'Showa American Story' über ihre Publishing-Abteilung 4Divinity.
Die Transaktion, die am 18. Dezember 2024 abgeschlossen wurde, führte dazu, dass der Vorsitzende der GCL-Gruppe, Jacky Choo See Wee, in den Vorstand von NEKCOM eintrat. Das kommende Spiel zeigt eine 19-jährige Stuntfrau namens Chouko in einer alternativen Realität, in der Japan Amerika kolonisiert hat, und kombiniert Elemente der Popkultur der 80er Jahre mit RPG-Gameplay.
Das Spiel, das für 2025 geplant ist, wird schnelle Kämpfe gegen Monster und Menschen sowie Mechaniken zur Anpassung von Wohnmobilen bieten. Diese Partnerschaft zielt darauf ab, das globale Veröffentlichungsinventar von GCL zu erweitern und gleichzeitig die kreative Vision von NEKCOM zu unterstützen.
- Acquired 20% strategic stake in game developer NEKCOM
- Secured global publishing rights for new game 'Showa American Story'
- Gained board representation at NEKCOM
- Expanded gaming portfolio with anticipated 2025 game release
- None.
Insights
This strategic move by GCL represents a sophisticated dual-pronged approach to value creation in the gaming sector. The 20% equity stake in NEKCOM provides direct exposure to the studio's future success, while the global publishing rights for 'Showa American Story' secure immediate revenue potential through distribution channels.
The game's unique premise taps into several current market trends: the rising popularity of Japanese-influenced gaming content globally, the nostalgic appeal of 80's pop culture (which has proven successful with titles like Cyberpunk 2077), and the growing demand for action RPGs with distinctive narrative elements. The RV customization feature adds a live-service component that could drive post-launch monetization through downloadable content (DLC) and microtransactions.
From a strategic perspective, this investment positions GCL advantageously in three ways:
- Vertical integration through both development and publishing capabilities
- Geographic diversification by bridging Asian development talent with global markets
- Portfolio expansion into the action RPG genre, which has shown consistent growth and resilience
The appointment of GCL's Chairman to NEKCOM's board suggests a hands-on approach to strategic alignment and intellectual property development, potentially facilitating technology transfer and market expertise sharing between the companies. This governance structure could accelerate NEKCOM's market penetration while providing GCL with early access to innovative game concepts.
The timing of the release in 2025 aligns with projected growth in the global gaming market, particularly in the action RPG segment. The cultural fusion concept of 'Showa American Story' could resonate strongly with both Eastern and Western audiences, potentially creating a new sub-genre that combines B-movie aesthetics with Japanese gaming sensibilities.
SINGAPORE, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GCL Global Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ: GCL) (“GCL” or the “Company”), a leading provider of games and entertainment, today announced the acquisition of
GCL Acquires
GCL acquired
Effective at the close of the transaction on December 18, 2024, Jacky Choo See Wee, GCL’s Group Chairman, became a Director on NEKCOM’s Board of Directors.
GCL Obtains Global Publishing Rights for Upcoming Release “Showa American Story”
GCL’s publishing arm, 4Divinity, has obtained the global publishing rights for NEKCOM’s upcoming game, “Showa American Story.”
The new role-playing game is an enthusiastic love letter to 80's pop culture featuring a string of cult classic B-Movies. Playing as 19-year-old stuntwoman, Chouko, gamers will join her on a journey of truth and revenge across a version of North America where the United States is an unofficial colony of Japan.
The game features a free-flowing and brutal combat style where gamers are pitted against monsters and humans in fast-paced combat situations. As Chouko travels across the continent in the big RV she calls home, gamers can create ongoing customizations and upgrades to the camper.
“We are excited for the opportunity to support and encourage game designers’ creativity through this partnership with NEKCOM,” said Sebastian Toke, GCL’s Group CEO. “GCL was drawn to NEKCOM because we believe that its founder and lead producer, Xiangyu Luo, is one of the brightest sparks in China’s gaming industry with great potential, and we look forward to capitalizing on value generating opportunities through the expansion of our global publishing inventory."
NEKCOM founder Xiangyu Luo also stated, "The collaboration with GCL is a game-changing move. Their proactive attitude, combined with their proven track record, allows us to elevate our vision to a new level. With their support, we are not just developing a game—we are creating Showa American Story, an experience that we believe will resonate with players and thrive in the market."
The game is currently expected to be released in 2025.
About GCL Global Holdings Ltd
GCL Global Holdings Ltd. unites people through immersive games and entertainment experiences, enabling creators to deliver engaging content and fun gameplay experiences to gaming communities worldwide with a strategic focus on the rapidly expanding Asian gaming market.
Drawing on a deep understanding of gaming trends and market dynamics, GCL Group leverages its diverse portfolio of digital and physical content to bridge cultures and audiences by introducing Asian-developed IP to a global audience across consoles, PCs, and streaming platforms.
Learn more at http://www.gclglobalholdings.com.
About NEKCOM
NEKCOM, founded in 2011, develops uniquely distinctive, creative, and captivating console and PC games for PS4, PS5, PSVR, XBOX, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. NEKCOM has offices in New York, Los Angeles and a game development center in Wuhan, China. For more information, please visit www.nekcomgames.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements may also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding projections, estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, the estimated implied enterprise value of the Company, GCL’s ability to scale and grow its business, the advantages and expected growth of the Company, and the Company’s ability to source and retain talent. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of GCL’s management and are not predictions of actual performance.
These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although GCL believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, GCL cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. In addition, there are risks and uncertainties described in the proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement relating to the recent business combination, filed by the Company with the SEC on December 31, 2024 and other documents which will be filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. GCL cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. There may be additional risks that GCL presently knows or that GCL currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent the views of GCL as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments may cause those views to change. However, while GCL may update these forward-looking statements in the future, there is no current intention to do so, except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing the views of GCL as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Except as may be required by law, GCL does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements.
GCL Investor Relations:
Crocker Coulson
crocker.coulson@aummedia.org
(646) 652-7185
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f323a545-a217-4005-a0da-5c677cea1b6f
FAQ
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